Makalu Base Camp Trek

12th year anniversary
Trip Advisor

Makalu is one of the formidable "eight thousanders," those peaks over 8,000km. While it is "only" the fifth-tallest mountain on Earth, it is widely considered to be one of the most challenging climbs in the world. Our riveting trek will take us to the Makalu Base Camp, 5,000m above the sea level. While this trek is one of the most interesting that we offer, The itinerary is designed to ease altitude acclimatization and maximize the vivid scenery, rich cultural interactions, and singular experiences of Himalayan trekking.
The foothills and trekking route of Makalu are nestled in a former restricted conservation area, and even today pristine, and wild in the best possible way. This trek will bring you close to the untamed loveliness of Nepal's most remote outposts and the cherished cultures of its most isolated inhabitants. We'll pass through five different ecological zones, viewing a diversity of flora and fauna as we go.

Day 01: Arrival Ktm, transfer to hotel

Our representative will greet you and bring you to the hotel from the airport. We will brief you on the program and collect the necessary documents for the issuance of permits. Evening is free, you can gout for dinner or have it in the same hotel.

Day 02: Free day in Ktm

You can opt for the Kathmandu valley tour with us, we can provide you a professional cultural guide with the car to take you some of the major spots of the valley or, you can stroll around on your own, relax and enjoy the day with not much of rush.

Day03:Flight to Tumlingtar & walk up to Kahandbari (1040m/ 2.30 hrs. Up: 625 m)

We will take you to the domestic airport for the flight, it’s a 50 minutes or so scenic flight. Once we reach Tumlingtar, our trekking staff will introduce and greet you. After a short while, you can start your walk towards Khandbari. Easy and beautiful walk. We walk upward through the Kumal village to the Khadbari in the midst of the sub-tropical forest of Sal tree (Sorea-Robusta) and more farm fields along the way, and we come to a town of Khadbari.

Day04 : Kahandbari to Chichila (1980m/ 6hrs. up: 1055 m/ down:240 m).

After breakfast, we start our walk with few flat then ascending to the ridge on a wide and well-used trail, reaching our lunch stop at Bhotebas. Then the trail goes to through fertile land and forested path brings you to the top of the small ridge at Chichila village for the overnight with superb scenic mountains of Mt. Makalu and Kumbakarna range.

Day 05: Chichila to Num (1560m/4.15 hrs/ up: 355 m. down: 690 m).

We start early in the morning and head towards Num right after a warm breakfast. A moderately paced walk through the picturesque villages and lush mountain forests will take us to Num. A ridge line with great views on both side and perched on the end, this is Num for us. Overnight in Num.

Day 06: Num to Sedua (1500m/ 4.15 hrs. up: 890 m/ down: 805).

A steep descent through forests and terraced farms takes us to Barun River. We cross the river and follow an equally steep ascent up the other side again. Often quite hot - the forest on the valleys offer a bit of shade. This is where Makalu Barun National Park begins and where we register our permits. We camp right at the top of the village. Overnight in Seduwa.

Day 07: Sedua to Tashigoan (2100m/ 3.30 hrs. up: 660 m/ down: 140 m).

Ascend the ridge bounded by the Ipsuwa Khola on the west and Kasuwa Khola to the east. Crossing the hillside through quiet villages and passing by small paddy fields, we reach the exotic village of Tashi Gaon. Once there, we are surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Day 08: Tashigoan to Khongma Danda (3500m/6.15 hrs. up: 1465 m/ down: 80 m )

This will be a bit of a tough day as we have to walk on a steep trail in higher elevation. We will ascend through forests to a stream and then onto a ridge. From here the trail gets even steeper and passes a Kharka (grazing land) and finally follows a series of rough stone stairs and small lakes ascending to the top of the ridge. From here it’s a short way down to Khongma Danda. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Day 09: Rest day. Day trip to Kauma -La (up/down: 275 m) 3 hrs

The day off will allow some bodily rest before we take on crossing of the Shipton La the next day. For those who wish to explore the nearby surrounding can walk up to Kauma La for a day trip.

Day 10: Crossing Kekela & Shipton Las & Tutu-La and to Dobate (aprox: 3860 mt/ 6 hrs. up:865 m/ down: 645 m)

Climb towards the summit of the Shipton La (pass) which takes a few hours to reach. After the lake Kalo Pokhari (3930m), pass over the Keke La at 4,170m. We can see the marvelous views of Chamlang (7321m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m). After crossing the Keke La pass, we descend through the beautiful valley to Dobate. Overnight in Dobate.

Day 11: Trek to Yangri Kharka (3557 mt/ 5.40 hrs. up:450 m/ down: 655 m)

From Dobate, we pass through the rhododendron forest which leads to the Barun River and the upper reaches of the valley. We should be very careful during the first two hours of trek as the trail is steep and arduous. We then take a pleasant walk, slowly gaining altitude until we arrive at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Day 12: Trek to Langmale Kharka (4410 mt/ 4.15 hrs. down: 780 m/ down: 15 m)

Following a moderate walk to the valley, we pass through yak pastures, lush forests and boulder fields. The valley walls tower imposingly above us during the start of the trek. We pass Merek as we make our way further up and notice a significant rise in the scenic Himalayan views. Overnight in Langmale Kharka.

Day 13: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4870 mt/ 4.45 hrs. up: 500 m/ down: 120 m )

Today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 14: Half day exploring around the MBC (up/down: 315 mt/2.30 hrs). down to Langmale 4410 m (up: 105 m/ down: 465 m) 3.15 hrs

The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Barun Glacier beyond it, we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can have short exploration around & leave the Base Camp coming down to LAngmale for the night.

Day 15: Langmale to Yangri Kharka (3557m/ 2.45 hrs. up: 30 m/ down: 780 m).

We descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka. Overnight at Yangri Kharka.

Day 16: Yangri Kharka to Dobate (3860m/5 hrs. up: 640 m/ down: 425 m).

From Yangri Kharka we descend through rock falls, green forests and valley, making our way towards Dobate. We follow the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail. Overnight at Dobate.

Day 17: Dobate to Khongma (3500m/ 5 hrs. up: 620 m/ down: 835 mt ).

We begin the trek with steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.

Day 18: Khongma to Tashigaon (2100m/ 3.45 hrs. up: 70 m/ down:1460 m ).

The trek continues with frequent long and steep descent cutting through the hillsides. The trail takes us through thick forests and finally making it to the indigenous Sherpa village of Tashigaon. Overnight in Tashigaon.

Day 19: Tashigaon to Seduwa: (1500 m/ 3 hrs. up: 125 m/ down: 655 m)

We retrace our steps as we exit the Makalu Barun National Park and descend down to the Barun River. We then cross the hillside and come across villages and settlements as we move further down finally stopping at Seduwa again. Overnight at Seduwa.

Day 20: Seduwa to Num: (1560 m/ 4 hours. Up: 810 m/ down: 890 m)

We leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. The trail goes up and down and passes through dense forests and Sherpa villages as we move downwards. Overnight at Num.

Day 21: Jeep drive from Num to Tumlingtar (approx: 3.30 hrs drive)

Instead of walking down, we prefer to have a jeep ride to Tumlingtar, a 3 hours or so drive. It is better to reach early Tumlingtar and get freshen up, relax and enjoy the surroundings and the people.

Day 22:Fly back Ktm, transfer to hotel

Our representative will be at the airport to pick you up & bring to the hotel. You can rest and relax for the day or visit some places. Over night at the hotel

23 Free day in Kathmandu

Free day for your last minute shopping and to explore around if there are still some places to be witnessed.

24 Final departure, transfer to airport.

We will pick you up from the hotel to take you to the airport. Last good byes and hope to see you again.

  • All transfer in a Non Air conditioned private vehicle
  • 4 nights in Kathmandu hotel (tourist class) on BB basis
  • Trekking on lodge basis
  • 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and room on available lodges during trek
  • National park fees & permits
  • One English speaking guide (Sirdar)
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 members) one porter is allowed to carry maximum of 25 kg of total weight
  • 1 Sherpa (assistant guide) for every 4 members
  • Daily wages of Nepali staffs, meal and accommodation
  • Insurance of guide & porter
  • Flight fare Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu
  • Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu
  • Laundry, telephone calls, emergency evacuation if required, Donation, tips
  • Extra expenses due to road blockage/landslides/natural calamities/strikes
  • All personal nature expenses
  • Sleeping bag

Please note: Clients are suggested to give maximum of 10 to 12 Kg. of personal luggage to the porter. Also, please note that on the domestic flight you are only allowed to carry your luggage of 10 Kg and 5 Kg as a hand carry.

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